Tell Your Story: Narrative Essay:

In week one, you chose an idea for your narrative essay. In week two, you wrote an introductory paragraph. In week three, you wrote a body paragraph.  Now it is time to finish the draft of your essay, revise it, and submit it for a final grade.  Below are a few things to consider when writing and revising your narrative:

Purpose:

A narrative essay has a purpose, so you need to have intent and a reason for telling a particular story. Did the time in your life change you in some way? Did you learn a valuable lesson?  What is the reason for telling this story?

Main idea/Thesis:

Whatever your purpose for writing the essay, you will let the reader know in your opening paragraph as you introduce the story. Stating the main idea, also known as a thesis, lets the readers know what to expect as they read. Your thesis may look like this: “The day I applied to college, my outlook on life changed.” Another example might look like this: “Choosing to have a child opened my eyes to other goals.” As you write your essay, keep your thesis in mind, and this will help keep you on track as you write.

Story Elements:

A narrative essay will have the same elements as a short story or novel.  You will have a plot, the series of events that form the story, and a climax, a moment near the end of the story where the conflict in your story is most tense.  Narrative essays should also have characters and a resolution to the conflicts.

Descriptive Language:

You can use descriptive language in your narrative essay. In week three, you practiced describing an object and a setting.  Descriptive language helps your reader connect to your story and have a lasting impact. 

Narrative Essay Instructions:

• The following criteria reflect the areas needed for a successful narrative essay.
• The essay should have a clear purpose and a main idea/thesis statement within the first paragraph.
• The narrative should share a larger lesson with the audience than simply retelling an event. 
• A strong narrative centers on a conflict building from introduction to body to a thought-provoking resolution. 
• It should use descriptive language to bring the reader into the experience. 

Please see Norton pages 121-30 and Little Seagull pages 58-61 for more details about the qualities of an effective narrative essay.

Requirements:

• 600 word narrative essay
• Microsoft Word document formatted in APA (see below)
• Submit to Submission Area

Before you submit your paper, review this revision checklist:

Paragraph or Essay Structure:

• Appropriate title indicates the essay’s topic.
• Paper addresses all the requirements. (see rubrics)
• Paper is logically organized and flows well
• Introduction includes relevant background information and  the main idea/thesis.
• Body paragraphs discuss main purpose and move the story forward
• Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and moves the essay forward
• Effective conclusion does more than simply repeat the introduction

 Sentence Structure:

• All sentences present complete thoughts, containing a subject and a verb..
• Correct all comma splices, run-ons, and fragments.
• Sentences have variety.
• Language and Tone:
• Language is appropriate for audience (no slang)
• Point of view is consistent
• Word use is appropriate

Grammar & Mechanics:

• Sentences correctly punctuated.
• Words are properly capitalized (including  “I”)
• No words inadvertently omitted.
• Subject and verb of each sentence agree.
• Spelling errors corrected including words spell check does not catch (their/there/they’re; its/it’s)

Format:

• Paper is double-spaced
• 12pt Times-New Roman font
• 1” margin